Guinevere Trilogy
By Cheryl Carpinello
My Writing Start
My writing career started in 1980 with an entry level position with Cardiff Publishing, which published trade journals. I worked my way up to Managing Editor of Satellite Communications magazine. After five years of writing feature articles, editing, and doing some
freelance work, I followed my first love and finished my teaching degree. For the next 26 years, I taught high school English including writing/reading and yearbook. During this time, I honed my writing and editing skills as well as guiding young writers.
Over the years, I wrote a couple novels which will never
see the light of day. The main reason: I wasn’t excited about the genres. After
working with readers, reluctant readers, and non-readers at the high school
level, I decided I wanted to write stories for elementary/middle school
students in hopes of catching the reluctant readers and non-readers early in
their schooling.
It wasn’t until I was close to retirement that I discovered
my writing niche. Teaching allowed me to explore deeper the writings and
authors from times long past. This was where I fell in love with the Ancient
and Medieval worlds and discovered the mystic pull these same worlds,
particularly Arthurian Legend, had on my students and many adults.
And so, I set my books—the Guinevere Trilogy and The King’s Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table)—in the days of King
Arthur. Aimed at upper elementary and middle school—ages 8/9-12—these tales
allow readers to experience that time period through the eyes of peer
characters. Today, I pair these books with Medieval Writing Workshops in the
schools. It’s so rewarding when teachers point out students—who typically did
as little as possible in class—involved in developing their own stories and
writing their own poetry. This is what the Arthurian Legend does for people.
I’ve since branched out into Ancient Egypt with the
publication of Tutankhamen Speaks and Sons of the Sphinx. While
still focusing on reluctant and non-readers, these books are aimed for ages 14
& up. Currently in the works, my 5-book series The Feathers of the Phoenix set in the ancient worlds of Atlantis,
Pompeii, Iceland, Celtic Britain, and, once more, Egypt, will bring more
ancient tales to my readers.
My
Publishing Journey
I’ve done both small press and Indie publishing and been
successful with both, but I now am a proud Indie author.
When my first story Guinevere:
On the Eve of Legend was ready to go, I sent out the usual letters to
agents and publishers. While waiting for replies, I attended an SCBWI
conference in the fall of 2008. At a panel of agents and publishers, one of the
publishers told our group that any books they acquired in 2009 would be
scheduled for publishing in 2012. That’s right, 2012. That panel session was a turning point for my
writing. I didn’t want to wait three years to have a book in my hands that I
could use with reluctant young readers, my target audience. So, I made the
decision to self-publish.
Additionally, I developed Medieval writing workshops for
students in grades 3-6 with Guinevere: On
the Eve of Legend as the textbook. In 2009, I published Guinevere with Outskirts Press for a
cost of $1000 and started conducting Medieval Writing Workshops in elementary
schools and with the Girl Scouts in the fall of 2009. Had Guinevere been acquired by an agent/publisher, I would not have
been able to do that.
Being an Indie author is not for the faint of heart. It is
a lot of hard work beyond the writing, but it is also very rewarding.
GUINEVERE: ON THE EVE OF LEGEND
Princess Guinevere dreaded her upcoming thirteenth birthday. It signaled the beginning of her official role as the Lady of her father’s castle.
No more adventures in the forest with Cedwyn. No more explorations outside the castle walls. No more excitement. No more danger. No more fun.
Cedwyn—her companion for as long as she remembered—viewed her circumstances differently.
A Medieval coming-of-age story relevant today.
GUINEVERE: AT THE DAWN OF LEGEND
Ancient Stones. Mystical Stones. Autumnal Equinox.
Down upon a wide plain the yellow orb shines strong.
Racing side by side, the two laughingly ride.
A mist descends. The laughing stops.
A dangerous Medieval tale of two friends. Of a loyalty not often seen.
GUINEVERE: THE LEGEND
Fiercely loyal, Cedwyn always rushes to Guinevere’s defense. Stubborn to a fault. Always there for her. A future Knight? His one and only hope. A hero? Not what Cedwyn strove for, but it sought him.
Guinevere rarely thinks with her head. Just the opposite. Thinking with one’s heart: a recipe for trouble. And trouble finds Guinevere, all too often. Stubborn, she refuses to abandon those depending upon her. Even when ordered by her father, the king.
And so these two—both on the edge of Legend—barrel forth in this deadly dangerous and riveting Arthurian adventure.
Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and traveling.
Cheryl’s books:
Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend (1)
Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend (2)
Guinevere: The Legend (3)
Guinevere Trilogy ebook only
The King’s Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table)
Sons of the Sphinx
Tutankhamen Speaks
Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 1
Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 2
No comments:
Post a Comment